Drapeable absorbent article

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/589,592, filed Oct. 30, 2006, which claims priority of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/783,169 filed on Mar. 16, 2006,priority of both the above identified applications is hereby claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to sanitary absorbent articlesand in particular to feminine sanitary absorbent napkins that are thin,highly absorbent, and drapeable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Externally worn, sanitary absorbent napkins are one of many kinds offeminine protection devices currently available. The development ofmaterials having a high liquid absorption capacity per unit volume hasallowed the required overall thickness of sanitary napkins to bereduced, thereby providing a product which is more comfortable and lessobtrusive to wear. Thin, flexible, sanitary napkins of this type aredisclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,264 (hereinafter “the'264 patent”) to T. W. Osborne III.

The term “flexible” as used in the prior art is generally used todescribe an article's resistance to deformation when an external load isapplied thereto. For example, the '264 patent purports to disclose asanitary napkin having a “low flexural resistance” when an external loadis applied to the sanitary napkin by means of a plunger mechanism.

However a “flexible” definition of the type provided in the '264 patentdoes not measure the overall “drapeable” characteristics of an absorbentarticle. That is, an article may have a “low flexural resistance” andyet not be “drapeable” as defined herein. The term “drapeable” or“drapeability” as used herein means the tendency of an article to hangin a vertical fashion due to gravity when held in a cantilevered mannerfrom one end of said article. Drapeable articles also tend to conform tothe shape of an abutting surface, for example a drapeable sanitarynapkin will tend to conform to the body during use, thereby enhancingcomfort.

Textile fabrics, and other cloth-like materials, which are used inclothing, tend to posses this “drapeable” characteristic. Clothing madefrom textile fabrics possessing this “drapeable” characteristic tend toconform to, and move with, the wearer, resulting in enhanced comfort tothe user.

An absorbent article possessing these “drapeable” characteristics mayincrease comfort to the wearer. That is, an article that is sufficiently“drapeable” such that it conforms to the space defined between theuser's thighs and the user's undergarment, may provided enhanced comfortto the wearer. In contrast, if an absorbent article is not sufficientlydrapeable the wearer may experience discomfort and be conscious of theabsorbent article. Additionally, if such article bunches or deforms,there is a tendency to maintain its resulting shape, thereby providinginadequate protection.

Thus, although the prior art may disclose “flexible” absorbent articles,there is still a need for absorbent articles, and in particular sanitarynapkins, that are drapeable and also possess the absorbency attributesrequired of such absorbent articles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, the present inventionprovides an absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer,and an absorbent system including superabsorbent polymer (SAP) arrangedbetween said cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent articlehaving a DCDI value of at least about 0.50 and an absorbency index (AI)of at least about 1.5.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the present inventionprovides an absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layerand an absorbent system including superabsorbent polymer (SAP) arrangedbetween the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent articlehaving a DCDI value of at least about 0.50 and an absorbent capacity ofat least about 5.0 g.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention, the cover layer of the sanitarynapkin being partly removed to show the absorbent system;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of sanitary napkin of FIG. 1, depicted in aposition attained when the sanitary napkin is held in a cantileveredmanner from one end of the napkin;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along the longitudinal centerline 4-4 of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention the cover layer of thesanitary napkin being partly removed to show the absorbent system; and

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along the longitudinal centerline 6-6 of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise absorbentarticles, and in particular sanitary napkins, that are thin, flexible,drapeable and possess absorbency attributes required of sanitarynapkins. Test methods are provided below for evaluating the absorbencyand drapeable attributes of articles according to the present invention.

Test Procedures

To test an absorbent article according to the test methods set forthherein a minimum of six product samples are required. For each of thetests conducted herein, the portion of the absorbent article to betested should be the same, i.e. the test sample should be taken fromcorresponding locations on each of the product samples. An absorbentarticle satisfies the test method set forth herein if any absorbentportion of the product satisfies the test.

Procedure for Determining Average Modified Circular Bend Stiffness (MCB)and Average Basis Weight (BW)

Modified Circular Bend Stiffness (MCB) is determined by a test that ismodeled after the ASTM D 4032-82 CIRCULAR BEND PROCEDURE, the procedurebeing considerably modified and performed as follows. The CIRCULAR BENDPROCEDURE is a simultaneous multi-directional deformation of a materialin which one face of a specimen becomes concave and the other facebecomes convex. The CIRCULAR BEND PROCEDURE gives a force value relatedto flexural resistance, simultaneously averaging stiffness in alldirections.

The apparatus necessary for the CIRCULAR BEND PROCEDURE is a modifiedCircular Bend Stiffness Tester, having the following parts:

1. A smooth-polished steel plate platform, which is 102.0 mm by 102.0 mmby 6.35 mm having an 18.75 mm diameter orifice. The lap edge of theorifice should be at a 45 degree angle to a depth of 4.75 mm;

2. A plunger having an overall length of 72.2 mm, a diameter of 6.25 mm,a ball nose having a radius of 2.97 mm and a needle-point extending 0.88mm therefrom having a 0.33 mm base diameter and a point having a radiusof less than 0.5 mm, the plunger being mounted concentric with theorifice and having equal clearance on all sides. Note that theneedle-point is merely to prevent lateral movement of the test specimenduring testing. Therefore, if the needle-point significantly adverselyaffects the test specimen (for example, punctures an inflatablestructure), than the needle-point should not be used. The bottom of theplunger should be set well above the top of the orifice plate. From thisposition, the downward stroke of the ball nose is to the exact bottom ofthe plate orifice;

3. A force-measurement gauge and more specifically an Instron invertedcompression load cell. The load cell has a load range of from about 0.0to about 2000.0 g;

4. An actuator and more specifically the Instron Model No. 1122 havingan inverted compression load cell. The Instron 1122 is made by theInstron Engineering Corporation, Canton, Mass.

In order to perform the procedure for this test, as explained below,three representative product samples for each article to be tested arenecessary. The location of the sanitary napkin, or other absorbentarticle, to be tested is selected by the operator. A 37.5 mm by 37.5 mmtest specimen is cut from each of the three product samples atcorresponding locations. Prior to cutting the test specimens any releasepaper or packaging material is removed from the product sample and anyexposed adhesive, such as garment positioning adhesive, is covered witha non-tacky powder such as talc or the like. The talc should not affectthe BW and MCB measurements.

The test specimens should not be folded or bent by the test person, andthe handling of specimens must be kept to a minimum and to the edges toavoid affecting flexural-resistance properties.

The procedure for the CIRCULAR BEND PROCEDURE is as follows. Thespecimens are conditioned by leaving them in a room that is 21° C.,+/−1° C. and 50%, +/−2.0%, relative humidity for a period of two hours.

The weight of each cut test specimen is measured in grams and divided bya factor of 0.0014. This is the basis weight in units of grams persquare meter (gsm). The values obtain for basis weight for each of thetest specimens is averaged to provide an average basis weight (BW). Atest specimen is centered on the orifice platform below the plunger suchthat the body facing layer of the test specimen is facing the plungerand the barrier layer of the specimen is facing the platform. Theplunger speed is set at 50.0 cm per minute per full stroke length. Theindicator zero is checked and adjusted, if necessary. The plunger isactuated. Touching the test specimen during the testing should beavoided. The maximum force reading to the nearest gram is recorded. Theabove steps are repeated until all of three test specimens have beentested. An average is then taken from the three test values recorded toprovide an average MCB stiffness or “MCB”. Absorbent articles accordingto the present invention preferably have an average MCB of less thanabout 200 g, more preferably less than about 100 g, and most preferablyless than 80 g. The remaining non-tested product samples are then usedfor the Absorbency Index test set forth below.

Procedure for Determining Absorbency Index (AI)

In order for an absorbent article to function properly it must have goodabsorbent properties to give the user confident protection againstsoiling of garments and leakage. The “Absorbency Index” (AI) (as definedherein) of an absorbent article is a measure of the articles fluidhandling properties. The Absorbency Index (AI) of an absorbent articleis determined from composite of two fluid handling properties, Rewet (R)and Fluid Penetration Time (FPT). The Absorbency Index (AI) as usedherein is defined as follows:

${{{Absorbency}\mspace{14mu}{Index}} = {{AI} = {\left( \frac{6.27 - R}{6.12} \right) + \left( \frac{499 - {FPT}}{495} \right)}}};$where R = Rewet  Value FPT = Fluid   Penetration  TimeThe methods for determining the Rewet Value (R) and the FluidPenetration Time (FPT) for an absorbent article are provided below.Three new product samples are required to conduct the Rewet Value (R)and Fluid Penetration Time (FPT) tests described below.

Absorbent articles according to the present invention preferably have anAbsorbency Index (AI) of at least about 1.5, more preferably at leastabout 1.7 and most preferably at least about 1.8.

Procedure for Measuring Fluid Penetration Time

Fluid Penetration Time is measured by placing a sample to be testedunder a Fluid Penetration Test orifice plate. The orifice plate consistsof a 7.6 cm×25.4 cm plate of 1.3 cm thick polycarbonate with anelliptical orifice in its center. The elliptical orifice measures 3.8 cmalong its major axis and 1.9 cm along its minor axis. The orifice plateis arranged on the product sample to be tested at a correspondinglocation on the absorbent article from which the 37 mm×37 mm testspecimens were taken from the product samples tested in the MCB testdescribed above. The longitudinal axis of the elliptical orifice isarranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the product to be tested.

Test fluid was made of the following mixture to simulate bodily fluids:49.5% of 0.9% sodium chloride solution (VWR catalog #VW 3257-7), 49.05%Glycerin (Emery 917), 1% Phenoxyethanol (Clariant CorporationPhenoxetol™) and 0.45% Sodium Chloride (Baker sodium chloride crystal#9624-05).

A graduated 10 cc syringe containing 7 ml of test fluid is held over theorifice plate such that the exit of the syringe is approximately 3inches above the orifice. The syringe is held horizontally, parallel tothe surface of the test plate. The fluid is then expelled from thesyringe at a rate that allows the fluid to flow in a stream vertical tothe test plate into the orifice and a stop watch is started when thefluid first touches the sample to be tested. The stop watch is stoppedwhen a portion of the surface of the sample first becomes visible abovethe remaining fluid within the orifice. The elapsed time on the stopwatch is the Fluid Penetration Time in seconds. The average FluidPenetration Time (FPT) is calculated from taking the average of threeproduct samples. This average FPT may then be used in the AbsorbencyIndex (AI) equation set forth above.

Procedure for Measuring Rewet Potential

The three product samples used for the Fluid Penetration Time (FPT)procedure described above are used for the Rewet Potential testdescribed below.

The rewet potential is a measure of the ability of a napkin or otherarticle to hold liquid within its structure when the napkin contains arelatively large quantity of liquid and is subjected to externalmechanical pressure. The rewet potential is determined and defined bythe following procedure.

The apparatus for the Rewet Potential test is the same as that set forthabove with regard to the FPT test and further includes a quantity of 3inch×4 inch rectangles of Whatman #1 filter paper from Whatman, Inc.Clifton, N.J. and a weighing machine or balance capable of weighing toan accuracy of +/−0.001 g, a quantity of said Whatman paper, a standardweight of 2.22 kg (4.8 pounds) having dimensions 5.1 cm (2 inches) by10.2 cm (4.0 inches) by approximately 5.4 cm (2.13 inches) which appliesa pressure of 4.14 kPa (0.6 psi) over the 5.1 by 10.2 cm (2 inches by 4inches) surface.

For purposes of the test procedure set forth herein, the same threeproduct samples used for the fluid penetration test should be used forthe rewet potential test. After the test fluid is applied within theorifice plate in the FPT test described above, and as soon as the coverlayer of the napkin first appears through the top surface of the fluid,the stop watch is started and an interval of 5 minutes is measured.

After 5 minutes have elapsed, the orifice plate is removed and thenapkin is positioned on a hard level surface with the cover layer facingupwards.

A fifteen (15) layer stack of the pre-weighed filter paper is placed onand centered over the wetted area and the standard 2.22 kg weight isplaced on top of the filter paper. The filter paper and the weight arearranged over the absorbent article such that they are centered over thearea to which the fluid was applied. The filter paper and the weight arearranged such that their longer dimensions are aligned with thelongitudinal direction of the product. Immediately after placing thepaper and weight on the product, the stopwatch is started and after a 3minute interval has elapsed the standard weight and filter paper arequickly removed. The wet weight of the filter paper is measured andrecorded to the nearest 0.001 grams. The rewet value is then calculatedas the difference in grams between the weight of the wet 15 layers offilter paper and the dry 15 layers of filter paper.

The measurement should have at least three replicates and, if necessary,the weight is wiped clean before each run. The average rewet value (R)is then calculated from the three measured values and this rewet value(R) may then be used in the Absorbency Index (AI) equation set forthabove.

Procedure for Measuring the Average Thickness of a Sanitary Article

The thickness measurement procedure described below should be conductedon three product samples prior to conducting the MCB test describedabove after the product samples have been removed from any packaging,any release paper has been removed, and after the product has beenpowdered with talc or the like. The thickness measurement of the productshould be conducted at the same location from which the test specimenfor the MCB test will be taken.

The absorbent articles according to the present invention preferablyhave a thickness of less than 2.5 mm, more preferably less than 2.0 mm,and most preferably less than about 1.5 mm. The procedure for measuringthe thickness of an absorbent article is described below.

The apparatus required to measure the thickness of the sanitary napkinis a footed dial (thickness) gauge with stand, available from Ames, witha 2″ diameter foot at a pressure of 0.07 psig and a readout accurate to0.001″. A digital type apparatus is preferred. If the sanitary napkinsample is individually folded and wrapped, the sample is unwrapped andcarefully flattened by hand. The release paper is removed from theproduct sample and it is repositioned back gently across the positioningadhesive lines so as not to compress the sample, ensuring that therelease paper lies flat across the sample. Flaps (if any) are notconsidered when taking the thickness.

The foot of the gauge is raised and the product sample is placed on theanvil such that the foot of the gauge is approximately centered on thelocation of interest on the product sample. When lowering the foot, caremust be taken to prevent the foot dropping onto the product sample orundue force being applied. A load of 0.07 p.s.i.g. is applied to thesample and the read out is allowed to stabilize for approximately 5seconds. The thickness reading is then taken. This procedure is repeatedfor at least three product samples and the average thickness is thencalculated.

Drapeability Index Calculation (BW/MCB)

A value useful in describing the novel characteristics of absorbentarticles according to the present invention is Drapeability Index orBW/MCB. The Drapeablity Index is calculated by dividing the averagebasis weight BW by the average MCB value as measured by the test methodsdescribed above.

Absorbent articles according to the present invention preferably have adrapeability index of at least about 2.0, more preferably at least about3.0 and most preferably at least about 4.5.

Average Density Calculation

A value useful in describing the novel characteristics of absorbentarticles according to the present invention is Average Density. AverageDensity is calculated is based upon the average thickness of and theaverage basis weight BW as measured by the test methods described above.The Average Density is calculated according to the following formula:Average Density (g/cm³)=(BW (g/m²)/Thickness (mm))/1000.

Absorbent articles according to the present invention preferably have anaverage density of at least about 0.12 g/cm³, more preferably at leastabout 0.17 g/cm³ and most preferably at least about 0.20 g/cm³.

Average Density Compounded Drapeability Index (DCDI)

Another useful value in describing the novel characteristics ofabsorbent articles according to the present invention is Average DensityCompounded Drapeability Index (DCDI). DCDI is calculated by multiplyingthe BW/MCB value, i.e. the drapeability index value, times the AverageDensity and can be described by the following formula:DCDI=(BW/MCB)*Average Density

Absorbent articles according to the present invention preferably have aDCDI value of at least about 0.50, more preferably at least about 0.70and most preferably at least about 1.00.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an embodiment of the presentinvention, a feminine sanitary napkin 20.

The sanitary napkin 20 has a main body 22 with a first transverse side26 defining a front portion thereof and a second transverse side 28defining a rear portion thereof. The main body also has two longitudinalsides, namely a longitudinal side 30 and a longitudinal side 32. Thesanitary napkin 20 preferably has a thickness not exceeding about 2.5mm, preferably the thickness is less than 2.0 mm, more preferably lessthan 1.5 mm.

The sanitary napkin 20 has a longitudinal centerline 34 that is animaginary line bisecting the sanitary napkin 20 in two identical halves.Projecting laterally outward from each of the longitudinal sides 30, 32is a flap 38 and 40 respectively. The main body 22 also has an imaginarytransverse centerline 36 perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline 34and simultaneously bisecting the flaps 38, 40.

As depicted in FIG. 4, the main body 22 is of a laminate constructionand preferably comprises a fluid-permeable cover layer 42, an absorbentsystem 44 and a fluid-impervious barrier layer 50.

Main Body—Cover Layer

The cover layer 42 may be a relatively low density, bulky, high-loftnon-woven web material. The cover layer 42 may be composed of only onetype of fiber, such as polyester or polypropylene or it may include amixture of more than one fiber. The cover may be composed ofbi-component or conjugate fibers having a low melting point componentand a high melting point component. The fibers may be selected from avariety of natural and synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester,rayon (in combination with other fibers), cotton, acrylic fiber and thelike and combinations thereof. Preferably, the cover layer 42 has abasis weight in the range of about 10 gsm to about 75 gsm.

Bi-component fibers may be made up of a polyester layer and a anpolyethylene sheath. The use of appropriate bi-component materialsresults in a fusible non-woven fabric. Examples of such fusible fabricsare described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,430 issued Nov. 26, 1985 toChicopee. Using a fusible fabric increases the ease with which the coverlayer may be mounted to the absorbent layer and/or to the barrier layer.

The cover layer 42 preferably has a relatively high degree ofwettability, although the individual fibers comprising the cover may notbe particularly hydrophilic. The cover material should also contain agreat number of relatively large pores. This is because the cover layer42 is intended to take-up body fluid rapidly and transport it away fromthe body and the point of deposition. Therefore, the cover layercontributes little to the time taken for the napkin to absorb a givenquantity of liquid (penetration time).

Advantageously, the fibers which make up the cover layer 42 should notlose their physical properties when they are wetted, in other words theyshould not collapse or lose their resiliency when subjected to water orbody fluid. The cover layer 42 may be treated to allow fluid to passthrough it readily. The cover layer 42 also functions to transfer thefluid quickly to the other layers of the absorbent system 44. Thus, thecover layer 42 is advantageously wettable, hydrophilic and porous. Whencomposed of synthetic hydrophobic fibers such as polyester orbi-component fibers, the cover layer 42 may be treated with a surfactantto impart the desired degree of wettability.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the cover is madefrom a spunlace nonwoven material having from about 0 to about 100%polyester and from about 0 to about 100% rayon. The spunlace materialmay also be made from about 10% to about 65% rayon and from about 35% toabout 90% polyester. In lieu of, and/or in combination with thepolyester, polyethylene, polypropylene or cellulosic fiber may be usedwith the rayon. Optionally, the material used for the cover layer mayinclude binders such as thermoplastic binders and latex binders.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the cover ismade from a spunlace nonwoven material having a “fluid absorption time”(as defined below) of less than 100 s, preferably less than 50 s andmost preferably less than 30 s.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the cover ismade from a spunlace nonwoven material that is composed substantiallyentirely of “nonabsorbent fibers” and has a “fluid absorption time” (asdefined below) of less than 100 s, preferably less than 50 s and mostpreferably less than 30 s.

The term “nonabsorbent fibers” as used herein means fibers that do notretain any fluid within the polymer matrix of the fiber body itself.Examples of suitable nonabsorbent fibers include polypropylene,polyester, polyethylene and bicomponent fibers made from combinations ofpolypropylene, polyester and polyethylene.

The surface of the nonabsorbent fibers may be rendered “permanentlywetable” (hydrophilic) via suitable surface finishing compositions, suchas appropriate surfactants as well as internal surfactants. The term“permanently wetable” as used herein means that the surface of thefibers retain their wetable characteristics after the spunlacingprocess. Specific examples of fibers whose surface is permanentlywetable are commercially available and are set forth below in thespunlace examples.

Preferably spunlace materials according to the present invention includeat least 20% of nonabsorbent fibers by weight that have a fiber surfacethat is permanently wetable, more preferably at least 35% nonabsorbentfibers by weight that have a fiber surface that is permanently wetableand most preferably at least 50% nonabsorbent fibers by weight that havea fiber surface that is permanently wetable.

In one preferred embodiment the spunlace material is “composedsubstantially entirely of nonabsorbent fibers.” “Composed substantiallyentirely of nonabsorbent fibers” as used herein means that preferably atleast 90% of the fibers by weight in the spunlace cover material arenonabsorbent, more preferably at least 95% by weight are nonabsorbent,and most preferably 100% of the fibers by weight are nonabsorbent.

In another specific embodiment the cover material is a spunlace nonwovenmaterial that contains between about 10% and 90% polypropylene fibers byweight and between 90% and 10% polyester fibers by weight, morepreferably between about 35% and 65% polypropylene fibers by weight and65% and 35% polyester fibers by weight, and the cover material has afluid absorption time of less than 100 s, preferably less than 50 s andmost preferably less than 30 s.

In those embodiments of the spunlace cover material according to thepresent invention wherein the spunlace cover includes a preformed webintroduced prior to hydro entangling, the preformed web preferably makesup about 10% to about 50% by weight of the total cover weight. Thepreformed web material preferably has a basis weight in the range ofabout 5 gsm to about 20 gsm, and more preferably from about 10 gsm toabout 15 gsm. The preformed is also preferably constructed from anonabsorbent material such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

In the those embodiments of the present invention where the covermaterial is a spunlace material the cover preferably has a total basisweight of about 30 gsm to about 80 gsm and more preferably about 40 gsmto about 60 gsm.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention employ fibrousnonwoven materials as the cover layer, apertured film materials may alsobe employed as the cover layer.

Procedure for Determining Fluid Absorption Time of Cover Material

As discussed above spunlace cover materials in accordance with thepresent invention preferably have a “fluid absorption time” (as definedbelow) of less than 100 s, preferably less than 50 s and most preferablyless than 30 s.

The procedure for determining the fluid absorption time of a covermaterial is provided below.

First a test fluid was prepared, the test fluid having the followingcomposition:

(a) 50 g of Acrysol G111 (commercially available from Rohm & Haas,Philadelphia, Pa.);

(b) 975 g of distilled water (72.8 dynes/cm); and

(c) 10 g of red dye (commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich Co., St.Louis, Mo.).

The resulting test fluid had a value of 42 dynes/cm.

The test procedure was conducted as follows:

(1) A 2″ by 2″ swatch of the cover material is laid flat on a levelsurface such as a table top. No absorbent material should be arrangedunder the cover material since this will effect the measured fluidabsorption time;

(2) A 0.05 g drop of the test fluid is applied to the top surface of thematerial using an appropriate pipette. The terminal end of the pipetteshould be applied just above the top surface of the material so as tominimize the free fall of fluid but the terminal end of the pipetteshould not be positioned in direct abutment with the top surface of thematerial so as to force the test fluid into the material;

(3) After the drop of test fluid is applied to the material a stop watchis started and then the stop watch is stopped when the drop of fluid hasfully entered into the material.

(4) The above described process is repeated for five material samplesand the average fluid absorption time is calculated, this average beingthe “fluid absorption time” according to this method.

EXAMPLES OF SPUNLACE COVER MATERIALS

Three specific examples of cover materials according to the presentinvention are set forth below and two comparative examples are alsoprovided. Each of the inventive spunlace covers were manufactured usingconventional spunlacing techniques well known to those skilled in theart.

Spunlace Cover Example I

a hydro entangled spunlace nonwoven web with a basis weight of 50 gsmcomprised of 50% 2.0 dpf Type 130 HyEntangle WA (polypropylene) fibersavailable from Fibervisions Inc. Covington Ga. and 50% 1.4 dpf PETfibers Series 300 available from Sabic Inc., Sittard (The Netherlands).The 2.0 dpf Type 130 HyEntangle WA fibers are “permanently wetable”fibers.

Spunlace Cover Example II

a hydro entangled spunlace nonwoven web with a total basis weight of 50gsm comprised of a 10 gsm or 20% of total w/w % preformed web ofspunbond PP introduced prior to hydro entangling available from PGI,Inc. Charleston S.C. code KO-CA-5 and 40 gsm or 80% of total w/w % ofstaple fibers that are 1.5 dpf PET fibers Type 203 available fromWellman Inc. Charlotte, N.C. In this example the permanently wettable“fibers” are introduced via the preformed spunbond PP web. In thisembodiment the spunbond PP web is “permanently wettable”.

Spunlace Cover Example III

a hydro entangled spunlace nonwoven web with a basis weight of 50 gsmcomprised of a 10 gsm or 20% 2.0 dpf Type 130 HyEntangle WA(polypropylene) fibers available from Fibervisions Inc. Covington Ga.and 40 gsm or 80% 1.5 dpf PET fibers Type 203 available from WellmanInc., Charlotte, N.C. The 2.0 dpf Type 130 HyEntangle WA fibers are“permanently wetable” fibers.

Comparative Spunlace Example I

a hydroentangled spunlace nonwoven web with a basis weight of 50 gsmcomprised of 100% 1.5 dpf PET fibers Type 203 available from WellmanInc. Charlotte, N.C.

Comparative Spunlace Example II

a hydro entangled spunlace nonwoven web available from Polymer GroupInc. Charleston, S.C. code JM-88-10-12 with a total basis weight of 50gsm comprised of a 15 gsm or 30% of total w/w % spunbond PP introducedprior to hydro entangling available from PGI, Inc. Charleston S.C. and35 gsm or 70% of total w/w % of staple fibers that are 1.5 dpf PETfibers Type 203 available from Wellman Inc. Charlotte, N.C.

The fluid absorption times for each of the above examples weredetermined and are provided in the chart below.

Fluid Absorption Sample Time, s N = 5 Spunlace Example I 25.7 SpunlaceExample II 18.0 Spunlace Example III 58.6 Comparative Spunlace ExampleI >146.2 Comparative Spunlace Example II >200

The cover layer 42 may be embossed to the remainder of the absorbentsystem 44 in order to aid in promoting hydrophilicity by fusing thecover to the next layer. Such fusion may be effected locally, at aplurality of sites or over the entire contact surface of cover layer 42and absorbent system 44. Alternatively, the cover layer 42 may beattached to the absorbent system 44 by other means such as by adhesion.

Main Body—Absorbent System

In a specific example of the present invention the absorbent system 44is composed primarily of SAP (superabsorbent) powder deposited betweenthe cover and barrier. Preferably the SAP is applied to an internalsurface of either the cover layer, barrier layer, other to the surfaceof a layer arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer. TheSAP is preferably adhered to the internal surface of the cover, theinternal surface of the barrier, or either surface of the layer arrangedbetween the cover and barrier, using adhesive. For example, typicalpressure sensitive adhesives such as Fuller 1491 available from theFuller Corporation can be coated to the internal surface of the barrierto hold the SAP powder in place. SAP's with very rapid absorbency ratessuch as Sumitomo BA40B (Sumitomo Seika Chemical Companies Ltd., Osaka,Japan) have been found to be particularly well suited. For thisconstruction, the SAP layer is preferably substantially uniform with abasis weight of at least 50 gsm and preferably between about 100 gsm and150 gsm.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention the absorbent systemconsists of superabsorbent adhered to a tissue layer that is arrangedbetween the cover and the barrier.

In another embodiment of the invention the absorbent layer may consistsolely of superabsorbent adhered to either an internal surface of thecover or an internal surface of the barrier.

Preferred superabsorbents useful in the present invention have a veryhigh “gel blocking ratio” (as defined in further detail below). Theabsorbency values and gel blocking values described below are based uponan absorption of 0.9% saline solution in a GAT (Gravimetric AbsorbencyTester) device under a pressure of 0.01 psi. A detailed description of aGAT apparatus is described by McConnell in U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,827, thesubject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference. SuitableGAT testing systems are available from M/K Systems, Danners, Ma. Adetailed description of the test method used to determine absorbencyvalues of the SAP set forth above is provided below.

SAP was prepared for the test by first screening out the SAP using a100-mesh screen (US—Sieve Series) to isolate SAP that would remain ontop of a 100-mesh screen.

The test cell of the GAT apparatus is adjusted such that is 1 cm abovethe level of the fluid reservoir. Whatman GF/A filter paper was placedon top of the test cell of the GAT apparatus, the test cell comprising amulti-hole plate. The filter paper functions insure that a continuousflow of test fluid is delivered to the SAP.

A test chamber was constructed from a 1-inch ID plexiglass tube having afirst open end and a second end covered by a 100-mesh metal screen. Anamount of 0.10 gram SAP powder was placed in the test chamber on top ofthe metal screen, this amount of SAP corresponding to 200 gsm. A 4.4gram plexiglass puck machined to closely fit within, but not bind thecylinder, was placed on top of the powder to provide a nominal load of0.01 psi.

The test chamber was placed on top of the filter paper so the outersurface of the screen is in abutment with the filter paper arranged onthe GAT test cell. The test was run over 60 minutes, data on the amountof fluid absorbed was captured every 15 seconds by a computer. For theSAP sample, an absorbency curve was generated by plotting g/g capacityv. time.

A second test, as described above, was conduct on the same type of SAPused in the above test. However, in this second test an amount of 0.50gram SAP powder was placed in the test chamber on top of the metalscreen, this amount of SAP corresponding to 1000 gsm. The second test inall other respects were carried out as described above and a secondabsorbency curve was generated by plotting g/g capacity v. time.

A “gel blocking ratio” was determined from the ratio of the totalcapacity of the 0.50 gram sample on a gram per gram basis relative tothe total capacity of the 0.10 gram sample on a gram per gram basis. Thegel blocking ratio was calculated at t(minutes)=1, 5, 10 and 60. A tableis provided below summarizing the absorbency characteristics and the gelblocking ratio of the commercially available superabsorbent SumitomoBA-40B.

Absorbency (g/g) Absorbency (g/g) Time (min) for 0.1 g SAP for 0.5 g SAPGel Blocking Ratio 1 34.9 10.4 0.30 5 37.6 27.0 0.72 10 37.9 29.2 0.7760 38.8 29.8 0.77As shown above, superabsorbents useful in the present inventionpreferably have a gel blocking ratio at 1 minute of at least about 0.25.As shown above, superabsorbents useful in the present invention have agel blocking ratio at five minutes of at least about 0.50, morepreferably at least about 0.60 and most preferably at least about 0.72.Main Body—Barrier Layer

Underlying the absorbent layer 44 is a barrier layer 50 comprisingliquid-impervious film material so as to prevent liquid that isentrapped in the absorbent system 44 from egressing the sanitary napkinand staining the wearer's undergarment. The barrier layer 50 ispreferably made of polymeric film, although it may be made of liquidimpervious, air-permeable material such as repellent-treated non-wovenor micropore films or foams.

Positioning adhesive 58 may be applied to a garment facing side of thebarrier layer for securing the napkin 20 to the garment during use. Thepositioning adhesive 58 may be covered with removable release paper 60so that the positioning adhesive is covered by the removable releasepaper 60 prior to use.

The barrier layer may be breathable, i.e., permits vapor to transpire.Known materials for this purpose include nonwoven materials andmicroporous films in which microporosity is created by, inter alia,stretching an oriented film. Single or multiple layers of permeablefilms, fabrics, melt-blown materials, and combinations thereof thatprovide a tortuous path, and/or whose surface characteristics provide aliquid surface repellent to the penetration of liquids may also be usedto provide a breathable backsheet. The cover layer 42 and the barrierlayer 50 are joined along their marginal portions so as to form anenclosure or flange seal that maintains the absorbent layer 44 captive.The joint may be made by means of adhesives, heat-bonding, ultrasonicbonding, radio frequency sealing, mechanical crimping, and the like andcombinations thereof.

Main Body—Stabilizing Layer

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sanitary napkin 20 may further optionallyinclude a stabilizing layer 52 arranged between the cover layer 42 andthe barrier 50. The stabilizing layer 52 may be arranged between theabsorbent system 44 and the cover layer 42 or it may be arranged betweenthe absorbent system 44 and the barrier 50. The stabilizing layer 52 isintended to provided the napkin with a higher flexural resistance (MCB)in a localized area. The stabilizing layer 52 is intended to enhance thestructural integrity of the napkin 20 in a localized area while at thesame time still permitting the overall nature of the napkin to be“drapeable”.

The stabilizing layer 52 preferably has a length L1 that is less than alength L2 of the absorbent system 44. In this manner, the napkingenerally has a first portion 54 that is located outside the dimensionsof the stabilizing layer 52 and a second portion 56 located within thedimensions of the stabilizing layer 52. The material for the stabilizinglayer 52 is selected such that the napkin 20 has a flexural resistance(MCB) that is greater within the dimensions of the stabilizing layer 52,i.e. within second portion 56, than outside the dimensions of thestabilizing layer 52, i.e. within the first portion 54.

Thus, the napkin will have at least a first MCB value outside thedimensions of the stabilizing 52 and a second MCB value within thedimensions of the stabilizing layer 52, the first MCB value being lessthan the second MCB value. Preferably the second MCB value is at least400 g. The MCB values of the first portion 54 and the second portion 56may be calculated in the same manner set forth in the “Procedure forMeasuring Modified Circular Bend Stiffness (MCB) and Basis Weight (BW)”set forth above.

The width W1 of the stabilizing layer 52 is preferably selected suchthat it is the same as the width W2 of the absorbent system 44.Preferably the stabilizing layer has a length L1 of at least 37.5 mm andwidth W1 of at least 37.5 mm.

If the stabilizing layer 52 is arranged between the cover layer 42 andthe absorbent system 44, the material comprising the stabilizing layer52 should be selected such that it readily transmits fluid to theabsorbent system 44. For example, the stabilizing layer 52 may comprisea nonwoven material including a blend or mixture of synthetic and/orcellulosic fibers. Suitable specific material compositions will beapparent to those skilled in the art.

If the stabilizing layer 52 is arranged between the absorbent system 44and the barrier 50, the material comprising the stabilizing layer may beliquid impermeable. In this manner, the stabilizing layer 52 may assistthe barrier 50 in preventing fluid from escaping from the absorbentarticle.

Alternatively, if the stabilizing layer is arranged between theabsorbent system 44 and the barrier 50, the material comprising thestabilizing layer may be absorbent such that it functions as a secondarycore. For example, the stabilizing layer 52 may comprise a nonwovenmaterial including a blend or mixture of cellulosic fibers and SAP.

Finally, the stabilizing layer 52 may be arranged on the outer surfaceof the barrier. In such an embodiment the material comprising thestabilizing layer is preferably liquid impermeable and thus functions asa secondary barrier.

Absorbent articles of this invention may or may not include wings, flapsor tabs for securing the absorbent article to an undergarment. Wings,also called, among other things, flaps or tabs, and their use insanitary protection articles is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,478 toVan Tilburg; U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,876 also to Van Tilburg, U.S. Pat. No.4,900,320 to McCoy, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,047 to Mattingly. Thedisclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. As disclosed in the above documents, wings are generallyspeaking flexible and configured to be folded over the edges of theunderwear so that the wings are disposed between the edges of theunderwear.

The absorbent article of the present invention may be applied to thecrotch by placing the garment-facing surface against the inside surfaceof the crotch of the garment. Various methods of attaching absorbentarticles may be used. For example, chemical means, e.g., adhesive, andmechanical attachment means, e.g., clips, laces, ties, and interlockingdevices, e.g., snaps, buttons, VELCRO (Velcro USA, Inc., Manchester,N.H.), zipper, and the like are examples of the various optionsavailable to the artisan.

Adhesive may include pressure sensitive adhesive that is applied asstrips, swirls, or waves, and the like. As used herein, the termpressure-sensitive adhesive refers to any releasable adhesive orreleasable tenacious means. Suitable adhesive compositions, include, forexample, water-based pressure-sensitive adhesives such as acrylateadhesives. Alternatively, the adhesive composition may include adhesivesbased on the following: emulsion or solvent-borne adhesives of naturalor synthetic polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene, or polyacrylate, vinylacetate copolymer or combinations thereof, hot melt adhesives based onsuitable block copolymers—suitable block copolymers for use in theinvention include linear or radial co-polymer structures having theformula (A−B)x wherein block A is a polyvinylarene block, block B is apoly(monoalkenyl) block, x denotes the number of polymeric arms, andwherein x is an integer greater than or equal to one. Suitable block Apolyvinylarenes include, but are not limited to Polystyrene,Polyalpha-methylstyrene, Polyvinyltoluene, and combinations thereof.Suitable Block B poly(monoalkenyl) blocks include, but are not limitedto conjugated diene elastomers such as for example polybutadiene orpolyisoprene or hydrogenated elastomers such as ethylene butylene orethylene propylene or polyisobutylene, or combinations thereof.Commercial examples of these types of block copolymers include Kraton™elastomers from Shell Chemical Company, Vector™ elastomers from Dexco,Solprene™ from Enichem Elastomers and Stereon™ from Firestone Tire &Rubber Co.; hot melt adhesive based on olefin polymers and copolymerswhere in the olefin polymer is a terpolymer of ethylene and aco-monomers, such as vinyl acetate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid,ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate vinyl silane or maleicanhydride. Commercial examples of these types of polymers include Ateva(polymers from AT plastics), Nucrel (polymers from DuPont), Escor (fromExxon Chemical).

Where adhesive is used, a release strip may be applied to protect theadhesive on the absorbent article prior to attaching the absorbentarticle to the crotch. The release strip can be formed from any suitablesheet-like material adheres with sufficient tenacity to the adhesive toremain in place prior to use but which can be readily removed when theabsorbent article is to be used. Optionally, a coating may be applied torelease strip to improve the ease of removabilty of the release stripfrom the adhesive. Any coating capable of achieving this result may beused, e.g., silicone.

Any or all of the cover, absorbent layer, transfer layer, backsheetlayer, and adhesive layers may be colored. Such coloring includes, butis not limited to, white, black, red, yellow, blue, orange, green,violet, and mixtures thereof. Color may be imparted according to thepresent invention through dying, pigmentation, and printing. Colorantsused according the present invention include dyes and inorganic andorganic pigments. The dyes include, but are not limited to,anthraquinone dyes (Solvent Red 111, Disperse Violet 1, Solvent Blue 56,and Solvent Green 3), Xanthene dyes (Solvent Green 4, Acid Red 52, BasicRed 1, and Solvent Orange 63), azine dyes (Jet black), and the like.Inorganic pigments include, but are not limited to, titanium dioxide(white), carbon black (black), iron oxides (red, yellow, and brown),chromium oxide (green), ferric ammonium ferrocyanide (blue), and thelike.

Organic pigments include, but are not limited to diarylide yellow AAOA(Pigment Yellow 12), diarylide yellow AAOT (Pigment Yellow 14),phthalocyanine blue (Pigment Blue 15), lithol red (Pigment Red 49:1),Red Lake C (Pigment Red), and the like.

The absorbent article may include other known materials, layers, andadditives, such as, foam, net-like material, perfumes, medicaments orpharmaceutical agents, moisturizers, odor control agents, and the like.The absorbent article can optionally be embossed with decorativedesigns.

The absorbent article may be packaged as unwrapped absorbent articleswithin a carton, box or bag. The consumer withdraws the ready-to-usearticle as needed. The absorbent article may also be individuallypackaged (each absorbent article encased within an overwrap).

Also contemplated herein include asymmetrical and symmetrical absorbentarticles having parallel longitudinal edges, dog bone- or peanut-shaped,as well as articles having a tapered construction for use withthong-style undergarments.

From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can ascertain theessential characteristics of this invention, and without departing fromthe spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes andmodifications. Embodiments set forth by way of illustration are notintended as limitations on the variations possible in practicing thepresent invention.

Inventive Sample

Inventive Sample #1 A sanitary napkin having a barrier layer of 0.9 milpolyethylene film produced by Pliant Corp, Schaumberg, Ill., productcode #3492A with 5.9 mg/sq in of Fuller 1023 adhesive applied to thecover facing surface of the barrier, a 75 gsm spunlace cover materialcommercially available from Polymer Group, Inc., Charlotte, N.C., asproduct code PGI 4012, and 2.6 mg/sq in of Fuller 1023 adhesive,commercially available from Fuller Corp., St. Paul, Minn., on thebarrier facing side of the cover. Between the cover and barrier is alayer of Little Rapids type 2004 wetlaid tissue paper, commerciallyavailable from Little Rapids, Corp., Green Bay, Wis., with a basisweight of 21.2 gsm. The edges of the tissue layer were about 10 mminboard of the edges of the cover and barrier. The barrier facing sideof the tissue had a area of approximately 50 mm wide by 170 mm longcoated with 10 gsm of Fuller 1023 adhesive. Prior to the tissue andadhesive being joined to the barrier and cover a 130 gsm layer ofSumitomo BA40B superabsorbent, commercially available from SumitomoSeika Chemicals, Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan, was deposited onto theadhesive covered side of the tissue. The adhesive held thesuperabsorbent in place. After deposition of the superabsorbent, thecover, SAP covered tissue and barrier layers were joined. The garmentfacing surface of the barrier was coated with 20 mg/sq inch of apressure sensitive adhesive intended for panty attachment, Fuller 1417,commercially available from Fuller Corp., St. Paul, Minn.

Comparative Sample #1 Carefree Perfect Fit Pantiliner

Comparative Sample #2 Kotex Lightdays Pantiliner

Comparative Sample #3 Always Ultrathin Sanitary Napkin

Comparative Sample #4 Stayfree Ultrathin Overnight Sanitary Napkin

Comparative Sample #5 Libra Invisible Sanitary Napkin (Australia)

Comparative Sample #6 Carefree Ultra Dry Pantiliner

The inventive samples and comparative samples set forth above weretested according to the test methods set forth herein, the results ofwhich are set forth in the table provided below.

Basis Weight MCB Thickness BW/MCB Rewet FPT Density (gsm) (g) (mm)(1/m²) (g) (s) AI g/cm³ DCDI Comparative 116 20 .85 5.80 6.27 499.88 00.136 0.792 Sample 1 Comparative 234.66 131.28 2.0 1.79 5.575 17.96 1.090.118 0.210 Sample 2 Comparative 292 247 2.55 1.18 .05 5.8 2.0 0.1150.135 Sample 3 Comparative 306 433 2.69 .71 .15 4.96 2.0 0.114 0.081Sample 4 Comparative 569 475 3.01 1.2 .307 5.55 1.97 0.189 0.227 Sample5 Comparative 351 112 3.32 3.13 1.21 7.1 1.82 0.106 0.331 Sample 6Inventive 307 62.4 1.44 4.91 .63 42.39 1.84 0.213 1.045 Sample 1Procedure for Measuring Average Absorbent Capacity (AC)

The inventive sample product 1 and comparative sample products 1-6 werefurther tested to determine the average absorbent capacity (AC) of theproducts. The test method for determining the average absorbent capacity(AC) is set forth below.

At least three new product samples are required to the conduct theaverage absorbent capacity test described below.

The average absorbent capacity test is conducted on 37.5 mm×37.5 mmsquare test specimens cut from the product sample. The cut square 37.5mm×37.5 mm test specimens are taken from the corresponding productlocations as those samples taken from the products used in the MCB andAI tests described above.

Prior to doing the test, at least six 60 mm×60 mm square envelopes areconstructed from a lightweight nonwoven such as 0.7 ounce per sq yardthrough air bonded web of bicomponent fibers. A suitable example of thenonwoven material is PGI code #4128. The envelope can be formed byfolding a 120 mm×60 mm square section and heat sealing the sides withthe sample enclosed. Other envelope constructions can be use as long asthey permit unhindered absorption of the test fluid to the sample duringthe submergence portion of the test and unhindered dripping during thedripping portion.

An envelope, without the test specimen, is submerged in a salinesolution (0.9%) for 15 minutes, and then hung so that saline can freelydrip for 12 minutes. The wet weight of the envelope is then measured tothe nearest one hundredth of a gram. This procedure is conducted forthree envelope samples and the average wet weight of the envelope isdetermined.

The weight of each of the three dry 37.5 mm×37.5 mm test specimens ismeasured before beginning the test.

A 37.5 mm×37.5 mm test specimen is inserted in an dry envelope and theenvelope is submerged in a saline solution (0.9%) for 15 minutes andthen hung so that saline can freely drip for 12 minutes. The wet weightof the combined envelope and test specimen are then measured to thenearest one hundredth of a gram. The dry weight of the test specimen andthe average wet weight of the envelope alone are then subtracted todetermine the absorbent capacity of the test specimen. This is repeatedfor three 37.5 mm×37.5 mm test specimens and the absorbent capacityaverage is taken to provide the average absorbent capacity (AC) ingrams. A chart is provided below which provides the average absorbentcapacity (AC) for each of the inventive sample products 1-4 andcomparative sample products 1-6.

Absorbent Capacity (g) (AC) Comparative Sample 1 .95 Comparative Sample2 2.67 Comparative Sample 3 5.32 Comparative Sample 4 9.63 ComparativeSample 5 8.44 Comparative Sample 6 11.32 Inventive Sample 1 8.3

Absorbent articles according to the present invention preferably have anaverage absorbent capacity (AC) of at least about 5.0 g, more preferablyat least about 6.5 g, and most preferably at least about 8.0 g.

Each of the inventive samples described above were constructed without astabilizing layer 52 as described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.However, each of the inventive samples described above could beconstructed to include such a stabilizing layer 52.

Inventive Sample 2

Inventive sample 2 had the same construction as inventive sample 1described above but further included a stabilizing layer arrangedbetween the cover and the absorbent layer. The stabilizing layer wasconstructed from 102 gsm spunbond polypropylene, commercially availablefrom BBA Fiberweb Filtration as Typar/Tekton Filtration Grade SpunbondedPolypropylene Style Number 3301N. The dimensions of the stabilizinglayer were approximately 40 mm×40 mm and the stabilizing layer wasarranged in the center of the product.

Inventive Sample 2 was tested to determine the MCB value within the areadefined by stabilizing layer and outside the area of the stabilizinglayer, the MCB values are provided in the chart below.

MCB (g) within MCB (g) outside Stabilizing Layer Area Stabilizing LayerArea Inventive Sample 2 488 62.4

In view of the above absorbent articles according to the presentinvention provide the unique combination of a highly flexible,drapeable, absorbent article that has excellent fluid handlingproperties.

Applications of the absorbent article according to the present inventionfor sanitary and other health-care uses can be accomplished by anysanitary protection, incontinence, medical and absorbent methods andtechniques as are presently or prospectively known to those skilled inthe art. Thus, it is intended that the present application cover themodifications and variations of this invention provided that they comewithin the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. An absorbent article comprising: a cover layer; a barrier layer; andan absorbent system including superabsorbent polymer (SAP) arrangedbetween said cover layer and said barrier layer; wherein said absorbentarticle has a DCDI value of at least 0.50 and an absorbency index (AI)of at least 1.5.
 2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, whereinsaid article has a drapeability index (BW/MCB) of at least 2.0.
 3. Theabsorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said article has adrapeability index of at least 3.0.
 4. The absorbent article accordingto claim 1, wherein said article has a drapeability index of at least4.5.
 5. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein saidsuperabsorbent has a gel blocking ratio at one minute of at least 0.30.6. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said SAP has agel blocking ratio at five minutes of at least 0.70.
 7. The absorbentarticle according to claim 1, wherein said SAP has a gel blocking ratioat five minutes of at least 0.72.
 8. The absorbent article according toclaim 1, wherein said absorbent article has an absorbency index (AI) ofat least 1.7.
 9. The absorbent article according to claim 1, whereinsaid absorbent article has an absorbency index (AI) of at least 1.8. 10.The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said absorbentarticle has DCDI value of at least 0.50.
 11. The absorbent articleaccording to claim 1, wherein said absorbent article has a DCDI value ofat least 0.70.
 12. The absorbent article according to claim 1, whereinsaid absorbent article has a DCDI value of at least 1.00.
 13. Theabsorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said SAP is present inan amount of at least 50 gsm.
 14. The absorbent article according toclaim 1, wherein said SAP is present in an amount of between 100 gsm and150 gsm.
 15. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein saidSAP is secured to a cover facing side of said barrier layer.
 16. Theabsorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said absorbent systemcomprises a layer arranged between said cover and said barrier, said SAPsecured to a surface of said layer arranged between said cover and saidbarrier.
 17. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein saidabsorbent system consists of SAP is secured to an internal surface ofsaid cover or said barrier.
 18. The absorbent article according to claim1, wherein said absorbent article has a density of at least 0.17 g/cm³.19. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said absorbentarticle has a density of at least 0.20 g/cm³.
 20. The absorbent articleaccording to claim 1, wherein said absorbent article has an absorbentcapacity of at least 8.0 g.
 21. An absorbent article comprising: a coverlayer; a barrier layer; and an absorbent system including superabsorbentpolymer (SAP) arranged between said cover layer and said barrier layer;wherein said absorbent article has a DCDI value of at least about 0.50and an absorbent capacity of at least 5.0 g.
 22. The absorbent articleaccording to claim 21, wherein said article has a drapeability index(BW/MCB) of at least 2.0.
 23. The absorbent article according to claim21, wherein said article has a drapeability index of at least 3.0. 24.The absorbent article according to claim 21, wherein said article has adrapeability index of at least 4.5.
 25. The absorbent article accordingto claim 21, wherein said superabsorbent has a gel blocking ratio at oneminute of at least 0.30.
 26. The absorbent article according to claim21, wherein said SAP has a gel blocking ratio at five minutes of atleast 0.70.
 27. The absorbent article according to claim 21, whereinsaid SAP has a gel blocking ratio at five minutes of at least 0.72. 28.The absorbent article according to claim 21, wherein said absorbentarticle has an absorbency index (AI) of at least 1.7.
 29. The absorbentarticle according to claim 21, wherein said absorbent article has anabsorbency index (AI) of at least 1.8.
 30. The absorbent articleaccording to claim 21, wherein said absorbent article has DCDI value ofat least 0.50.
 31. The absorbent article according to claim 21, whereinsaid absorbent article has a DCDI value of at least 0.70.
 32. Theabsorbent article according to claim 21, wherein said absorbent articlehas a DCDI value of at least 1.00.
 33. The absorbent article accordingto claim 21, wherein said SAP is present in an amount of at least 50gsm.
 34. The absorbent article according to claim 21, wherein said SAPis present in an amount of between 100 gsm and 150 gsm.
 35. Theabsorbent article according to claim 21, wherein said SAP is secured toa cover facing side of said barrier layer.
 36. The absorbent articleaccording to claim 21, wherein said absorbent system comprises a layerarranged between said cover and said barrier, said SAP secured to asurface of said layer arranged between said cover and said barrier. 37.The absorbent article according to claim 21, wherein said absorbentsystem consists of SAP secured to an internal surface of said cover orsaid barrier.
 38. The absorbent article according to claim 21, whereinsaid absorbent article has a density of at least 0.17 g/cm³.
 39. Theabsorbent article according to claim 21, wherein said absorbent articlehas a density of at least 0.20 g/cm³.
 40. The absorbent articleaccording to claim 21, wherein said absorbent article has an absorbentcapacity of at least 8.0 g.